Ship Engineers
Background
Engines are a ship's main source of power for propulsion, heat, and electricity. Ship engines are massive; some are as large as the power plants that generate electricity for small cities. Ship engineers are responsible for engine operations, maintenance, and repair. They are also responsible for shipboard heating and power generation. Ship engineers direct the engineering departments aboard ships and submarines.
What They Do
Ship engineers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Direct crews that inspect and maintain ship transmission and propulsion systems
- Direct crews that inspect and maintain the electrical generators that supply power for lights, weapons, and equipment
- Direct crews that inspect and maintain the heating plants and air conditioning systems
- Direct engine room operations in nuclear or diesel-powered vessels
- Direct engine room repairs
Physical Demands
No information available.
Special Requirements
A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this career. Nuclear specialties require a four-year college degree in nuclear engineering.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Interest in engines and machines
- Interest in planning and directing the work of others
Helpful School Subjects
No information available.
Helpful Fields of Study
Helpful fields of study include:
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
Work Environment
Ship engineers work in engine rooms, where the noise levels and temperatures may be high.
Services offering this career:
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for officers.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of three to 12 months of instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty; the time required for nuclear specialties is the longest.
Course content typically includes:
- Inspection and maintenance of marine engines, electrical systems, and fuel systems
- Operation and maintenance of steam plants and related machinery
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Nuclear specialties involve extensive training in reactor operations.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian ship engineers work for shipping lines, transport companies, and some government agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military ship engineers. Civilian ship engineers may also be called engine room supervisors, deck engineers, or marine engineers.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 3,000 ship engineers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new ship engineers due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, ship engineers work as assistant engineers under the direction of a chief engineer. With experience, they may advance to become chief engineer in charge of an engineering department. Eventually, they may advance to senior management and command positions.